The one selection yesterday put paid to his own chances, with No Return taking the firmest of holds in the early stages under Callum Shepherd, who was clinging on for dear life at one stage. That meant when Shepherd asked for an effort in the closing stages, the horse had nothing to give.
Most frustrating, as the race would’ve unfolded as predicted with an uncontested lead, which would’ve been a considerable advantage. This can happen, but he is one who clearly remains well handicapped and is one worth keeping on side, so we’ll keep tabs.
Onto today…
Another quiet day of racing and precious little to get excited about. I was on the cusp of letting it go until I looked twice at a rare Charlie Longsdon runner on the All Weather. They don’t tilt many on the artificial, when they do they go trying and are often seen outrunning their odds.
Parramount 8/1 | 2pt Win
19:30 Chelmsford City
19:30 Chelmsford CityT: Charlie Longsdon
J: Jack Doughty
Result: unplaced – 7/7 -2pt
Taken down early, in touch with leaders, weakened from 2f out (SP 13/2)
One of only three who the yard have ran on the All Weather over the last year or so, Parramount has ran consistently well when doing so, notching a record reading 2322301347. They have all been off of marks between 73 and 78 and only three of them have been in this low a grade (they read 221), so going off of 72 today, the 10-year-old has to be going with a serious chance.
Jack Doughty rides, who rode him to his last success in November 2024, when slapping up in a similar race from a mark of 74, winning by 3¼ lengths to some decent yardsticks.
This is no penalty kick by any means, and James Owen’s Carlton looks a very worthy danger, but at 8/1 in a small enough field, I think he looks wildly overpriced as a very obviously well handicapped type.
Best of luck with your punting today,
